Music and Dance Programs Coordinator

Position Summary: The Music and Dance Programs Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of thriving music and dance programs that are an integral part of campus life and bring people together in a multitude of long-term and transformative ways. They will work in concert with the Music and Dance Events Coordinator to ensure that music and dance traditions are preserved and passed down. A primary facet of the position is managing the Junior Appalachian Musicians program. They will represent the organization to local, regional, and national audiences including dancers, performers, instructors, and students. This position will bring vision and direction to a program with deep historic roots and serve as an important liaison between the Folk School and the greater music and dance community. They will work closely with the Programs team to help reach the goals of the Folk School’s strategic plan and further our mission, vision, and values. The Music and Dance Programs Coordinator reports to the Programs Director for program development and to the Studio Manager for studio operations. This is an approximate 32-40 hr/wk position , non-exempt, hourly and benefits eligible position. Hours are based on business need. Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

Position Responsibilities:

Program Development

• Collaborate with the Programs Director to set annual program goals.
• Develop Music and Dance programs including schedule planning; analysis of programming statistics; coordination of instructor hiring; design and implementation of themed weeks, community workshops and special programs.
• Provide high-quality programming that is balanced and varied and responds to current trends and constituent demands.
• Monitor enrollment trends, instructor and student evaluations, and address any conflicts or concerns that may arise regarding class content and student/instructor experience.
• Ensure that programs are aligned with the Folk School’s educational model.
• Assess current program offerings including program content and class length.
• Identify, confirm and contract assistant instructors as needed.
• Responsible for the development of all class-related content including instructor biographies, class descriptions and titles, materials lists and fees. Edit any relevant class material for accuracy and consistency and ensure that all media-related information is correct.
• Communicate with instructors during the contracting and catalog process to ensure that all content is delivered by deadline.
• Work collaboratively with Programs staff to contribute to creative program development. Attend team meetings and give updates on studio developments as well as contributing ideas to help achieve overall team goals.
• Collaborate with the Music and Dance Events Coordinator to manage Winter Dance Week, and other special dance programs. This includes scheduling instructors, processing work exchange applications, student and teacher orientation, creating schedules for operations and promotions, hiring musicians, managing snacks and refreshments, communicating with Folk School staff as needed, and overseeing the evaluation process.
• Manage the Folk School Junior Appalachian Musicians Program. This includes student recruitment, program development, recruiting/hiring and communication with instructors, organizing concerts and other events, communication with students and parents, managing the annual budget, purchasing/maintaining instruments, and tracking data for grant reporting purposes.
• Work with the Music and Dance Events Coordinator to arrange for instructors to be performers for concerts, dances, and special events. Act as back-up to the Music and Dance Events Coordinator to manage concerts and dances.
• Assist in the planning and management of Fall Festival and other special events as they relate to music and dance.
• Manage Morningsong.

Studio Coordination

• Work closely with the Studio Manager to plan annual and long-term studio facilities improvements.
• Work with the Studio Manager to create, maintain and manage equipment maintenance systems, studio safety procedures, and training protocol for instructors and students.
• Work with the Music and Dance Events Coordinator to manage the repair and maintenance of instruments and a/v equipment as well as long-range planning for purchasing of new equipment.
• Communicate with instructors well in advance of classes to determine their needs.
• Manage weekly organizing of the Music Studio between classes.
• Greet instructors upon arrival, and orient new instructors to the studio.
• Attend to all music studio needs as they arise throughout week-long and weekend classes, with support from Programs staff.
• Complete end of year duties including inventory and equipment maintenance.
• Fill in for other coordinators as needed and contribute to overall program operational needs. Be on call when needed for studio operations support.
• Support other studios as needed.
• Support online programming via Lessonface as needed.

Constituent Engagement

• Serve as a Folk School advocate and a liaison with the Music and Dance community.
• Serve as liaison between the Folk School and its’ dance teams.
• Respond to enquiries from potential new instructors and process instructor applications.
• Respond to general inquiries about the music and dance programs.
• Co-manage music and dance social media accounts.
• Help assess and process studio donations.
• Engage with existing and potential students both in-person and through social media.
• Train new instructors on the Folk School model of education and help them acclimate to the Folk School for a smooth and successful teaching experience.
• Maintain a visible and welcoming presence in the studios to set the tone for a successful and positive Folk School experience.

Inter-Departmental Collaboration

• Communicate with Student Services Manager regarding performer meal and housing needs.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications Department to promote music and dance programs, identify networking opportunities, reach target markets, and develop annual promotional goals. This may include attending related conferences or festivals.
• Work closely with Marketing and Communications to promote classes with low enrollment.
• Work closely with the Development Director to develop strategies to help meet annual fundraising goals and assess donor relations.
• Participate in and support other special programming, such as Friends & Family Day, Fall Festival, special music and dance weeks and weekends, and future activities to be developed, including the potential for youth/community programs.

Administrative

• Work closely with the Studio Manager to develop and manage the music and dance operating and capital budgets and restricted funds.
• Manage music and dance financial paperwork and relevant vendor accounts.
• Ensure that attendance at music and dance events is tracked and documented for grant reporting purposes.
• Maintain contact lists of all instructors, musicians, bands, and callers.
• Provide data, written documentation, and photography, when possible, for grant-reporting purposes and board reports.
• Provide music and dance updates for bi-annual board reports to the Programs Director.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• A basic understanding of traditional music and dance to be able to offer balanced and creative programming.
• Established connections within Appalachian music and dance communities and the ability to recruit instructors from new and diverse avenues is preferred. Training will be made available to assist if needed.
• BA degree in a related field is preferred.
• Solid understanding of the Folk School concept and a desire to engage and promote this educational model.
• Ability to effectively manage a varied workload, plan and manage a budget, and successfully organize long-term planning and projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively and develop and maintain relationships with Folk School staff, instructors, students, and community.
• Willingness to work as a team and support other programs team members with their program needs.
• Basic understanding of audio engineering for live bands.

Position Skills/Aptitudes:

• The ability to efficiently navigate and utilize computer software programs including Microsoft Outlook and Word.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with others in a time sensitive environment.
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service.
• Ability to adapt.
• Basic math skills.

Physical Demands:

The position requires the employee to be able to walk unaided up and down hills and over uneven terrain, bend, stoop, and make use of fine and gross motor skills. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls and to speak clearly and effectively. Ability to work standing for at least 8 hours a day and lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Pay & Benefits:

The pay for this position is approximately $24.00 per hour. The Folk School offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, generous paid time off and two free classes annually.

Applications:

Please submit the following materials through the application process below.

1. Cover letter that expresses your desire to work at the Folk School and experience and knowledge relevant to the position.
2. Resume detailing education and work experience or CV.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

If you should need assistance with the application process, please e-mail jobs@folkschool.org.

John C. Campbell Folk School is an EEO Employer. EEO employers are committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.